CLEVELAND, Ohio - It happened quietly, but the AFC West sent three teams (Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers) to the playoffs last season. And it's possible the Oakland Raiders, who made a number of short-term signings, could end their years of futility if they get any quality play from quarterback Matt Schaub.

Denver doesn't need much. There's a reason why they are the defending AFC Champions. The Chiefs have a decision to make about quarterback Alex Smith and whether he is the team's long-term answer. However, after he led them to the playoffs, they should focus on helping him in this year's draft. For the Chargers, they found a gem in last year's draft, Keenan Allen. Now it's time for San Diego to shift its focus to the other side of the ball.

1. Offensive Guard – The Broncos had a hard time dealing
with the tough, physical defensive line of the Seattle Seahawks in the Super
Bowl. Losing Zane Beadles to the Jacksonville Jaguars will only make matters
worse. While kicking Orlando Franklin inside to guard is one option, using a
draft pick on one is another, and probably a better option.

2. Cornerback – Injuries in the secondary were a huge
problem for the Broncos last season. The departed Champ Bailey and Dominique
Rodgers-Cromartie as well as Chris Harris spent time on the sidelines. With the
addition of Aqib Talib, the Denver secondary should be better, but it has to be a concern that he has never played a full season in his seven years.

3. Linebacker – Outside. Inside. It really doesn't matter.
It would be too much of a risk for a Super Bowl contender to head into 2014
with Jamar Chaney and Danny Trevathan holding down two of the three starting
'backer spots.

1. Wide Receiver – Even if they want to be a run-based
offense, throwing the ball is still pretty important, especially with Andy Reid
as the head coach. Last year's leading pass catcher was running back Jamaal
Charles. The top two receivers, Dwayne Bowe and Donnie Avery, had fewer than
100 catches. Dexter McCluster, who had 53 catches signed with the Tennessee
Titans.

2. Offensive Guard – Few teams were hit harder in free
agency than the Chiefs. Left tackle Branden Albert and guards Geoff Schwartz
and Jon Asamoah all departed. Oh, and center Rodney Hudson is a free agent in
2015. It's tough to be a running team without quality guards.

3. Defensive Lineman – Add Tyson Jackson to the long list of
departures for the Kansas City Chiefs. Last year Dontari Poe emerged as a force
on the interior of the defensive line, but he needs help on each side.

1. Wide Receiver – James Jones has arrived to help the
Raiders' passing attack. While he had two strong seasons with Aaron Rodgers,
Jones is more of a No. 2 receiving option as opposed to a No. 1.

2. Offensive Tackle – The Oakland Raiders couldn't work out
a deal with Jered Veldheer so they let the homegrown, up-and-coming left tackle
leave in free agency. Big mistake. It's laughable to think Oakland may actually
believe Donald Penn could be a reliable replacement. There's just too much
uncertainty along the offensive line now.

3. Linebacker – It's clear the Raiders saw problems on
defense because they filled a few different holes in free agency with the
arrival of Justin Tuck, Antonio Smith and LaMarr Woodley. Those additions should
help the Raiders on the line. But the linebackers remain a problem spot, with
Kevin Burnett and Kaluka Maivia slated to start as of now.

1. Cornerback – The Chargers were 29th against
the pass last season. In a league that relies more and more on that form of
moving the football, that won't cut it, especially when the Broncos and their
explosive offense wear the division crown.

2. Defensive Tackle – One of the most important things for a
3-4 defense to have is a stout nose tackle to anchor the middle of the
defensive line. Right now that's missing from San Diego's defense after Cam
Thomas bolted for Pittsburgh in the off-season. The Chargers can pressure the
opposing offense from the outside. Now they need to find a way to do it up the
middle.

3. Outside Linebacker – Melvin Ingram, 2012's first-round
pick, missed all but four games with a knee injury this past season. He had
just one sack in his rookie campaign. To say he hasn't lived up to the billing
would be an enormous understatement. Dwight Freeney, one of the teams'
additions prior to last year, played four games. The 5.5 sacks from Corey Liuget led the Chargers' defense, which is a sad
number.

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